Donald Trump says PM Andy Burnham told him he will ‘open up North Sea oil’

Donald Trump has said Andy Burnham told him that he was going to “open up North Sea oil”.

Speaking in the White House, the US president said if the Prime Minister followed through on his commitment the UK was “going to be a wealthy country”.

Mr Trump also again warned that immigration is “killing” Britain, with “people coming from all over the world and just camping out”.

Following the phone call between the two leaders on Mr Burnham’s first day in office, Downing Street would not be drawn on any potential future plans for North Sea drilling after Mr Trump talked up a change in policy under Mr Burnham.

The US president, a vocal supporter of fossil fuels, has long championed the move as he has railed against “windmills”.

Labour’s 2024 manifesto said the party would not issue new North Sea licences.

Referring to his conversation with Mr Burnham, Mr Trump said: “Well, he did say one very good thing.

“He said he’s going to open up North Sea oil.

“If he does that, you’re going to be a wealthy country.”